Kapseret Member of Parliament and Timba XO club owner, Oscar Sudi, recently shared a heartfelt message of congratulations on social media to one of his staff members, Cytzal Lunyaji, who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Banking from the University of Eldoret. The celebratory post, made via his X handle, praised Lunyaji for her determination and resilience in the face of challenges as she balanced her academic pursuits with her duties as a waitress at the popular Eldoret-based club.
Sudi expressed immense pride in Lunyaji’s achievement, recognizing her hard work and perseverance in achieving her academic dreams. “Cytzal Lunyaji, one of our dedicated waitresses within our Timba XO family, graduates from UOE with a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Banking,” Sudi wrote. He further emphasized that her success was not just a personal victory but a source of inspiration to others. “Against all odds, she has proven that determination can turn dreams into reality. The entire Timba XO family is incredibly proud of her. Keep reaching for the stars!” he added.
Timba XO, which Sudi owns, has long been a prominent fixture in Eldoret’s entertainment scene. Since its grand opening on May 24, 2018, the multimillion-shilling club has made waves, attracting attention from both local and international stars. Notably, the club was graced by the presence of Bongo music icons Diamond Platnumz and Zuchu during its opening ceremony. The establishment is renowned for its luxury, modern vibe, and vibrant nightlife offerings, quickly becoming a go-to venue for locals and visitors alike.
However, Timba XO was thrust into the national spotlight for a much different reason earlier this year when it became a target during the Gen-Z protests. A group of protesters stormed the establishment, smashing windows and walls while making off with liquor valued at thousands of shillings. The attackers, reportedly part of a larger wave of civil unrest, caused significant damage, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
In total, the financial damage was estimated at around Sh48 million, with Sh25 million worth of alcohol being stolen. Despite the magnitude of the incident, Sudi responded with a sense of forgiveness and restraint. Reflecting on the event, Sudi noted the potential for greater violence but expressed relief that no one was injured during the altercation. “Timba XO, Timba Hotel, and everything I spent about Sh250 million. Better to lose that than kill people,” Sudi remarked in an interview.
He further revealed that he instructed his staff to avoid escalating the situation. “We would have killed over 50 people that day,” he said, adding that he instructed his team not to engage with the protesters. “They allowed them to do what they could and allowed the police to deal with them,” he explained. While he acknowledged the police’s efforts to manage the situation, Sudi also criticized the actions of a few officers, calling their behavior “stupid.”
Despite the financial setback, Sudi’s response highlighted his commitment to peace and his refusal to let the destruction lead to further bloodshed. “I thank God because it would have been a bad story, but I did not want people to lose their lives over Sh2,000,” he added, emphasizing that no amount of money was worth a life.
This message of resilience, forgiveness, and determination extends beyond just the Timba XO establishment but also serves as a powerful reminder to overcome adversity with grace. Sudi’s acknowledgment of Lunyaji’s academic success stands as a symbol of hope and perseverance. It highlights how, even in a challenging environment, success is achievable when hard work and determination are combined.
